Volunteer
Information

Volunteers are the lifeblood of GHHS.

By joining the GHHS team of dedicated volunteers, you’ll build strong relationships with other like-minded volunteers, the animal-loving community, and of course, the animals themselves.

Volunteers are integral to the success of GHHS and touch every aspect of our operations. Joining the GHHS volunteer team is fun and easy!

GHHS relies almost entirely upon volunteers. Thank you for your interest in volunteering!

Volunteers can fill a variety of roles, such as guest escorts, dog walkers, feline socializers, cleaning, and thrift store sorters and pricers. You can volunteer in as many areas as you’d like, or focus on one particular job.

Volunteers are asked to commit at least 6 months (2 shifts per month), however we may ask you to return to general orientation if you have not volunteered within the past six months. This ensures volunteers are kept up to date on GHHS procedures. Only those volunteers with ten or more hours in a six-month timeframe will be kept “active”.

By agreeing to volunteer, you understand that GHHS cannot be held responsible for damages of personal property or injuries. This includes but is not limited to animal bites, wear and tear of clothes, vandalism, and all accidents or injuries.

All volunteers under the 19 years of age will be required to provide a parental consent form prior to volunteering.

All volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation prior to being hands-on.

Additional training is required for specific jobs and will be discussed at orientation in detail.

Individual
Volunteer

Our every day volunteers. Not ordered to complete community service.

Group
Volunteering

Learn more about our group volunteering opportunities.

Community
Service

For those looking to complete required service hours at GHHS.

Have questions about volunteering?

Check out our Volunteer FAQ

Paws for Reading is back!

Paws For Reading is a reading program designed to enrich the lives of the dogs and cats in our care. Reading to a non-judgmental audience (like animals) has been proven to boost reading skills and confidence. The animals also receive the benefit of socialization and quiet human behavior. Children and adults are invited to read to our animals. Children (6-15 years of age) can participate as long as they are accompanied by a parent. Volunteers (16 years of age and older) can participate without adult supervision.

Paws for Reading will be held every Monday and Tuesday from 10am – 3pm. Families will be able to sign up for an hour time slot (2 families per hour). Reading takes place in our Cat Room (an open roam room) and in front of our outdoor Dog Kennels (weather permitting).

As of 1/1/23, PAWS for Reading is asking for a freewill donation of $1, per person, cash only.

This cost will help offset the cost of paper, ink, chairs and books. We appreciate your support and look forward to reading with you soon!

paws for reading

Students (16+ and older) may volunteer as “P4R Guides” and they will be tasked with completing a volunteer orientation, greeting families, helping them pick out a book and get situated in the correct spot, helping socialize (and reading if needed), answering any general questions and making sure GHHS rules are followed. 

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we ask that volunteers commit to at least 5 hours per month during a 3 month period.
Volunteers are scheduled Monday through Saturday between 8am-5pm. We are closed on Sundays to Volunteers and the Public. Volunteers are also scheduled at off-site after hours events.
Volunteers are required to purchase a GHHS Volunteer T-shirt ($15). We understand that you may not always be able to wear your Volunteer Shirt to your volunteering shift. You will be sent home if you are not dressed appropriately. Acceptable:
  • Plain shirts without writing (remember that you are representing GHHS so no personal saying/beliefs)
  • High School/College shirts (represent your school with pride!)
  • Sport Teams (we kind of think it fosters a sense of community…and a healthy rivalry!)
  • Sleeveless Shirts (no racerbacks or spaghetti straps)
  • Shorts (must reach as close to your knees as possible)
  • Closed-toes shoes (preferably with a rubber sole) or mud/rain boots
  • Tattoos/Piercings/Colored Hair (the animals don’t care and neither do we!)
Not Acceptable:
  • Jewelry (we don’t want animals to snag your jewelry and break something you love and/or hurt yourself)
  • Open-toed shoes
Volunteer orientation will last approximately 2 hours. During that time you will receive an overview of the history, mission and services of the GHHS, as well as an in depth discussion of the volunteer process requirements and the various volunteer opportunities which are available to you. After orientation you will receive an email directing you to register for additional training sessions based on the volunteer positions you are interested in.
All volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Onboarding Process. Orientation and training will not only provide an understanding of our mission as well as a description of the numerous volunteer positions available, but it will also provide invaluable and necessary information on animal communication & behavior, animal handling methods and shelter protocols.

There is always something to do at GHHS! These opportunities will be discussed with you in-depth during your interview to find the best match for you. 

Yes, students are welcome to apply!
Yes! Please refer to our Group Volunteer Section for more information.

Yes! Please fill out the Community Service Volunteer Form for more information.

Children (6+) may participate in the Paws For Reading Program.

Youth (13+) may volunteer with their parent/guardian (must be present with child at all times) in most activities except for Dog Handling.

Youth (16+) may volunteer by themselves but must have a Parental Consent Form signed by their parent/guardian.

You must be at least 19 years old, complete at least 8 support hours and pass the Dog Handling Certification Class to become a Dog Handler.

Yes! Everyone must complete the Volunteer Onboarding Process, but can be scheduled during the same volunteer shift. Please do not bring any unauthorized visitors with you while you are volunteering.

Group Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in group volunteering! GHHS always has a need for volunteers, and we love organized group efforts.

Groups may volunteer Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm (excluding federal holidays). We unfortunately cannot schedule groups for Saturdays. Groups may volunteer for up to 2 hours.

Due to our small building size, we can only accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Volunteers under 19 years old must have a signed Parental Consent Form. Due to insurance restrictions, we cannot accept volunteers under 16 years old and group volunteers are not allowed to handle the large dogs.

Here’s an idea of what your group may be asked to do:

  • General shelter cleaning
  • Socialize kittens & puppies
  • Clean litter boxes
  • Scoop the kennels & puppy patio
  • Pick up trash around facility
  • Seasonal landscaping work

If you or your group is interested in volunteering, please complete the Group Volunteering Form and return it to Spencer Batcheller -spencer@ghhs.org

Please return the completed form at least 2 weeks prior to your intended volunteer date.

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